Senseney Celebrates Women in Music

Senseney well knows women rock! Women in music share important messages, lead movements and bring people together. Soul stirring sounds and musical collaboration come from the depths of many female voices. Learn more about a few of the well-known women musicians from Wichita and the great state of Kansas.

Karla, Martina, Melissa, Jenny and Injoy

Karla Burn is an operatic mezzo-soprano and actress who performs around the world in opera houses, theaters and television productions. Burns was born and raised in Wichita and credits her parents for inspiring her musical gifts. She played the clarinet in band and graduated from Wichita West High School. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Performance and Music Education from Wichita State University.

In her distinguished career, Burns appeared in musical and classical theater productions and operas. Highlights of her career include performances with the Paris Opera, Cairo Opera House and the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. Burns is best known for the one-woman musical, Hi-Hat Hattie, that examines the life of Hattie McDaniel, America’s first Black Oscar winner and also a Wichita native.

Martina McBride was born and raised in the Kansas heartland. A chart-topping country music singer and songwriter, McBride’s 30 year career includes many number one singles. Renowned rocker Melissa Ethridge grew up in Leavenworth, KS. In her career of more than 40 years, Melissa has garnered Grammys and an Oscar while selling over 27 million albums.

Today, Wichita’s live music scene often features Jenny Wood, or it did, before Covid-19 and a tragic traffic accident that took the life of Jenny’s mom and niece and left her badly injured. Still, she sings and plays the guitar like her soul is on fire and connects deeply with audiences. Also on the horizon, find budding Wichita musician Injoy Fountain who recently appeared on The Voice and is poised to continue the rich tradition of women who rock.

Keep Rockin’ with Wichita Women

Senseney’s team is full of women who rock! Whether its classical performance pieces you want to master or blue grass is your vibe, you’ll find fellow female music lovers at Senseney. Leader Lori Supinie encourages all ladies to love music and share the song in their heart.